Running Duke of Edinburgh Pathways: Kākāriki and He Aratūtahi Explained for Award Units
Running the Duke of Edinburgh (DoE) Award well means understanding that one pathway does not fit all participants. Modern youth development research, inclusive education practice, and DoE delivery experience all point to the same conclusion: young people succeed best when programmes are flexible, culturally responsive, and developmentally appropriate.
That is exactly why the Duke of Edinburgh Award in New Zealand includes Pathways — structured options that sit alongside the traditional Bronze, Silver, and Gold framework to ensure access, engagement, and progression for a wider range of participants.
This page is written for Award Units, Award Leaders, schools, alternative education providers, and community organisations searching for practical guidance on:
What Are DoE Pathways?
DoE Pathways are structured, approved approaches that sit within the Duke of Edinburgh Award framework to support participants who may not thrive within a purely traditional delivery model.
Pathways:
For Award Units, Pathways are not “watered-down” versions of DoE. They are equally valid, outcomes-focused approaches that require the same level of governance, oversight, and quality assurance.
Why Pathways Matter When Running Duke of Ed
Educational and youth development literature consistently highlights that engagement precedes achievement. Participants who feel seen, supported, and culturally safe are far more likely to:
Pathways help Award Units:
In practice, Pathways are one of the strongest tools available to Award Units seeking inclusive excellence, not lowered standards.
Kākāriki Pathway: A Foundation for Confidence and Capability
What Is the Kākāriki Pathway?
Kākāriki is an introductory DoE pathway designed to support participants who are new to structured programmes, may lack confidence, or benefit from a scaffolded entry point into the Award.
The name Kākāriki reflects growth, development, and new beginnings — a fitting metaphor for participants taking their first steps into the DoE journey.
Who Kākāriki Is Designed For
Kākāriki is particularly effective for:
For Award Units, Kākāriki is often used as a pre-Bronze or early Bronze-aligned pathway that builds readiness rather than rushing progression.
How Kākāriki Works in Practice
Kākāriki focuses on:
Activities are framed clearly, expectations are transparent, and support is more visible — without removing participant ownership.
Award Leaders play a coaching role, helping participants learn how to do DoE, not doing it for them.
Why Kākāriki Strengthens Award Delivery
From an Award Unit perspective, Kākāriki:
In short, Kākāriki supports long-term success, not just early participation.
He Aratūtahi Pathway: A Holistic, Integrated Approach
What Is He Aratūtahi?
He Aratūtahi is a DoE pathway that supports participants to engage with the Award in a holistic, strengths-based, and culturally responsive way.
Rather than treating sections as isolated components, He Aratūtahi recognises that learning, service, physical activity, and skill development are interconnected — especially for participants whose lives and cultures are not neatly compartmentalised.
Who He Aratūtahi Is Designed For
He Aratūtahi is particularly well-suited to:
It is not limited to any one group — but it is especially powerful where relational and cultural contexts matter.
How He Aratūtahi Works in Practice
He Aratūtahi allows participants to:
For example, a single kaupapa or project may contribute meaningfully to:
Award criteria are still met — but the pathway to meeting them looks different.
Governance and Quality: What Award Units Must Get Right
Running DoE Pathways does not reduce Award Unit responsibility. In fact, it requires greater clarity and intentionality.
Award Units must ensure:
Strong governance is what protects both participant outcomes and Award credibility.
Accessibility, Equity, and Pathways
Pathways play a central role in Award accessibility.
They help remove barriers related to:
Importantly, Pathways do not change what participants achieve — they change how participants get there.
This distinction is critical for maintaining the Award’s reputation while expanding its reach.
People Also Ask about DoE Pathways
What are DoE Pathways?
DoE Pathways are approved ways of delivering the Award that support different participant needs while maintaining Award criteria and outcomes.
Is Kākāriki a lower-level Award?
No. Kākāriki is a pathway that supports readiness and confidence. It does not reduce standards or recognition.
Can participants move from Kākāriki to Bronze?
Yes. Kākāriki is often used as a stepping stone into Bronze or Silver.
Is He Aratūtahi culturally specific?
He Aratūtahi is culturally responsive and holistic, but it can be used by any participant where an integrated approach supports success.
Do Pathways still lead to recognised Awards?
Yes. All approved pathways sit within the recognised Duke of Edinburgh Award framework.
Pathways Are About Equity, Not Exceptions
Running Duke of Edinburgh well in today’s world means recognising diversity as a strength, not a complication.
Kākāriki and He Aratūtahi pathways allow Award Units to uphold the Award’s values while meeting participants where they are — culturally, developmentally, and socially.
When Pathways are delivered with strong governance, clear communication, and belief in young people, they do exactly what the Duke of Edinburgh Award has always promised to do:
Create confident, capable young people — through challenge, commitment, and purpose.
